Written Submission from Falkirk Council – Petition Pe1102

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WRITTEN SUBMISSION FROM FALKIRK COUNCIL – PETITION PE1102

1. Background

1.1 Falkirk Council, like many local authorities, is strongly opposed to the closure of post offices in the Falkirk Council area. The Council recognises the important social function that post offices have, and that for many individuals in our communities, the post office functions as the main village or local shop. These facilities are used largely by elderly people, people with young children and those with mobility problems to purchase essential items.

1.2 The Council has for a number of years used post offices to provide services such as rent collection etc. Since 1979, Falkirk Council has supported the local area Post Office Network through the facility for tenants to make payment of rent at post offices. This was extended to include council tax payments in 1996. Our contract is with the Alliance & Leicester. Payments are made through a service known as 'BillPay'. Payments are made using plastic payment cards issued by Falkirk Council which can be used to pay rent and/or council tax at the Council's One-Stop-Shops and any post office in the UK. This method of payment is 1 of 7 options that are available to our customers.

1.3 As a result of the development of more efficient and convenient methods of payment, e.g. by Direct Debit, via the Web and by telephone, and the reduction in the Council's housing stock through the right to buy, the number of payment transactions made at post offices has reduced year on year over the past 10 to 15 years. In the early 1990's more than 100,000 rent payments were made through the local post office network. This reduced to 56,000 by 2003/04, with further reductions to just under 39,000 transactions in 2006/07. Over the last 4 years the number of Council Tax payments made at post offices has reduced from 99,000 in 2003/04 to 78,000 in 2006/07.

1.4 Falkirk Council also supports rural post offices through topping up the award of 50% mandatory rates relief with discretionary relief. This is subject to certain restrictions relating to the definition of a rural area, the rateable value of the post office and certain other conditions. At present we are awarding discretionary relief to 2 post offices. However, we are also awarding the same relief to 5 subjects described as general stores that may also be sub-post offices. The rateable value for upper threshold for subjects such as post offices is now £7,500 following the latest revaluation that was effective from 1 April 2006.

2. Network change Programme

2.1 Under the Network Change Programme the UK government is committed to the closure of 2,500 post offices throughout the UK. As part of this process, Scotland has been divided into 6 areas based on the Westminster constituencies; an action plan will be developed for each of the 6 areas. The proposals for Falkirk Council are in two areas, as our Westminster constituencies are not coterminous with the local authority boundaries. Postwatch estimated that if there is an even distribution of closure across the UK, 17.5% of post offices will close in every area. Using this information the Council anticipated that in the constituency of Falkirk, 5 post offices might close and 3 might close in the constituency of Linlithgow and Falkirk East.

2.2 In August 2007, Post Office Ltd wrote to the Council to ask for development plans and socio-economic data on the area to inform the decision making process. The Council complied with this request. The details of the first phase of closures in the Falkirk constituency were announced in October 2007 and 7 post offices were nominated for closure. This is obviously 2 more than anticipated. PE1102/F

2.3 Following the publication of the Area Plan by Post Office Ltd, we undertook a number of steps in preparing the Council’s response:

• Post Office Ltd’s proposals were placed on the Council’s website; • A letter was written to Community Councils in the communities affected asking them to make a response; • Detailed analysis of each area was carried out and an assessment made on the potential impact on each community; and • The Council wrote to each of the affected postmasters asking them for their views.

2.4 The Council’s detailed response to Post Office Ltd is included as Appendix I. At the end of the consultation period, there was no change to Post Office Ltd’s proposals and all 7 post offices have now closed.

3. The Essex Approach

3.1 Essex County Council announced in March that they were planning to run post offices. Falkirk Council approached Essex County Council to establish if the approach within Essex could be replicated within the Falkirk Council Area. It was quickly established that the situation in Essex was slightly different to Falkirk, in that the post offices in Essex had not yet closed.

3.2 A number of principles were established by Essex County Council and the Post Office Ltd, the most important of which is that Post Office Ltd has agreed to work with Councils regarding retaining post office services. In addition to this, Post Office Ltd agreed to provide commercial information in relation to specific named post offices to Essex.

3.3 Initial discussions between Essex County Council and Post Office Ltd focused on the desirability of keeping short listed post offices open until a deal could be negotiated. . However, following high level correspondence with the Minister and the Managing Director of Post Office Ltd, an agreement was reached that those post offices due to close but which were then still open, could be given the opportunity of continuing for a further two months. With regards those that had already closed, equipment would not be moved out of premises for two months.

3.4 Essex were given, after signing a disclosure form, some basic financial information about each of a sub-set of the shortlist was provided. Essex County Council has described the level of financial information on each post office as extremely limited. Additionally, the information they have received from sub-postmasters on the operation of the post office was also described as extremely limited. In most cases it consists of the following: Total Budget, Float, Annual Subsidy, and Training budget.

3.5 In the negotiations between Essex County Council and Post Office Ltd, Post Office Ltd have asked for certain of the shortlist post offices to be excluded on the basis that continuing operation of these would jeopardise the viability of neighbouring offices that were planned to remain open. Furthermore, Post Office Ltd would not accept the re- instatement of a full-time office to replace an outreach service. Within Essex, several possible models are being discussed in confidence and meetings are continuing to examine details and formulate a rescue package. Many of the issues identified above have yet to be resolved, in particular the fact that Post Office Ltd want to exclude certain offices on the basis that continued operation will jeopardise the viability of neighbouring offices. PE1102/F

3.6 Essex County Council recognised that the future provision of services will not be exactly the same as before and are considering whether other community buildings, e.g. libraries or public houses, would be suitable for the provision of services and would strengthen their viability. In the longer term, Essex County Council sub-post offices will need to become viable without relying on continuing high levels of funding. This will require a thorough analysis of opportunities, including using them as agencies/outlets for public sector services.

3.7 Falkirk Council understands that Essex County Council is to take an operating licence from the Royal Mail Group and effectively run post offices as a franchise. The terms of the licence would need to be examined to understand any potential risks that would lie with the Council. Any risk would be established after examining the detail of the contract on offer. Essex County Council has not seen a copy of the contract, although they have repeatedly requested this. They are looking to employ a business consultant to work with the Council and the sub-postmasters, to work out the final details of their approach.

3.8 Essex County Council has raised a number of issues it would advise other Councils to consider. This includes:

• Reviewing how State Aid rules will apply to the Council subsidising services; • Make sure that there is real community support for retention and thus potential viability; • Make sure that the sub-postmaster really wishes to continue the business; • Be prepared to use high level political influence to unblock sticking points; • Post Office Ltd. is seeking commitment to March 2011 in order to tie in with the Government commitment to support the network to that date; • Sub-post offices close for other reasons (e.g. retirement). Will the Council be expected to support these, having set a precedent? and • In addition to any financial support for post offices, there will be staffing implications within your authority to manage the relationship.

4. Falkirk Experience

4.1 The Leader of the Council and Council officials recently met with Post Office Ltd. At this meeting Post Office Ltd confirmed a great deal of the information that has previously been provided to us by Essex County Council including:

• Post Office Ltd will expect certain post offices to be excluded on the basis that their continuing operation would jeopardise the viability of neighbouring offices; and • Post Office Ltd will not allow post offices to remain open while negotiations are continuing and all equipment will be removed.

4.2 Additionally Post Office Ltd have made it clear that Councils seeking to reopen post offices will need to:

• Pay for the annual infrastructure costs, the set costs (alarms, computers, safes etc), management time and any training costs; • Provide suitable Disability Discrimination Act compliant premises and cover the day to day running costs; • Provide staff to run the operation and meet their costs; • Sign a Non-disclosure Agreement before financial information can be shared; PE1102/F

• Comply with State Aid requirements; • Make sure they can legally enter into a contract (taking into account the public purse, competition law etc); and • Ensure that any office that is re-opened must be cost neutral to Post Office Ltd.

4.3 Post Office Ltd would:

• Pay “Traffic related pay” (sales income); • Only enter into agreements lasting up to, and currently not beyond March 2011; • Consider the impact of reopening offices against nearby branches before agreeing to proceed; • Consider using the various operating models and would discuss these in more detail if the Council chose to proceed; and • Require an interest free loan to cover the working cash (float). This would be repaid at the end of the contract.

4.4 Post Office Ltd also stated that they would determine where mobile and outreach services are to be placed and that the running costs of these are similar to a static office. It had been hoped that a mobile or outreach service could be provided as a replacement to permanent offices that had closed. Post Office officials confirmed that there were only 2 mobile post offices running in Scotland and any proposals for an outreach service would be published as part of their response to the Network Change Programme.

4.5 In addition it has been made clear that Councils would have to engage an agent or third party to run post offices. Essex County Council is currently looking to establish a vehicle for this e.g. a Trust or NPDO.

4.6 It has been stressed that Post Office Ltd are awaiting the outcome of their discussions with Essex and the models developed for that before entering into serious negotiations with other Councils.

4.7 The State Aid issue has been highlighted as a major stumbling block to Councils supporting post offices. This has been partially resolved as Officers have been advised that the European Commission considers that public funding to a single recipient of up to €200,000 over a 3 year fiscal period has a negligible impact on trade and competition and does not require notification. It should be noted that:

• The maximum de minimis funding any single recipient can receive is €200,000 (cash grant equivalent) over a 3 year fiscal period. The sterling equivalent is calculated using the Commission exchange rate applicable on the written date of offer of the de minimis funding.; and • This ceiling takes into account all public assistance given as de minimis funding over the previous 3 years and which can take various forms (grants, loans, and subsidised contracts), etc.

4.8 Although the issue of state aid funding may be resolved, this does not exclude the issue of competition. It is unclear what the implications for other post offices would be if the Council were to provide support to one post office or sub-postmaster. Competition Law issues may arise involving the restriction of competition between businesses. Experience from other areas suggest that successful campaigns to keep one post office open, may result in Post Office Ltd identifying another post office for closure to maintain overall level of savings.

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4.9 The Minister has asked Post Office Ltd to draw up an agreed process to deal with expressions of interest from Councils etc, who wish to take over the running of post offices.

4.10 Although it is the Council’s view that the Power to Advance Well-Being under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 could be used to allow the Council to proceed with this initiative, the implications on the public purse are not clear. There would be significant start up and staffing costs in relation to each post office. Post Office Ltd has also suggested that it may not be economically viable for anyone to take on the role of Postmaster as Post Office Ltd enhance the salary of each Postmaster.

4.11 Within the Falkirk Council area, of the post offices that have currently been closed, all but one is currently occupied by the owner, i.e. the sub postmaster owns the premises. This means that the Council may also need to explore if it could purchase or lease existing post office premises, or agree the relocation of the post office to an alternate location

4.12 It is clear from initial research, that there would be significant challenges and costs in carrying out the necessary adaptations, including security measures. Providing post office services from existing Council buildings may impact on existing council service delivery. Clearly we would need to consider the suitability of each possible location for the operation of a post office facility.

5. Conclusion

5.1 Falkirk Council will continue to explore the possibility of rescuing our post offices. However, we have significant concerns about the costs to the public purse, the implications for the retained post offices and for existing Council service delivery and the precedent that this might set.

It was agreed by Members that individual Groups from the Council could provide their own comments which would be included in the Councils submission to the above Petition. I have received the following contribution which should be added to the submission from Falkirk Council.

“The council’s SNP Group have advocated that funding and control of the Post Office Network should be transferred from London to Edinburgh. Their reasoning for this is that they argue the Post Office should be regarded as a public service rather than a business and that the Scottish Government have more of an ethos of public service than their Westminster counterparts.”

Contact Officer – Fiona Campbell Head of Policy and Performance Review Corporate and Neighbourhood Services Falkirk Council Municipal Buildings Falkirk FK1 5RS Tel 01324 506004.

Cllr David Alexander SNP Group Leader Falkirk North Ward PE1102/F

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Appendix 1.

FALKIRK COUNCIL’S SUBMISSION

NETWORK CHANGE PROGRAMME

POST OFFICE CLOSURES

GREATER GLASGOW, CENTRAL SCOTLAND, ARGYLL AND BUTE – PROPOSED AREA PLAN

Case for the retention of the following post offices within the Falkirk Council area.

• Bothkennar, Skinflats • Quarry Brae, Brightons • Greenhill, Bonnybridge • Highland Dykes, Bonnybridge • Church Street, Stenhousemuir • Nethermains, Denny • Thornhill Road, Falkirk

This supplements information previously sent to Post Office Ltd e.g. the Council’s Structure and Local Plans. PE1102/F

INTRODUCTION

Falkirk Council is opposed to the closure of any of the post offices in its boundaries. The Council recognises the important social function that post offices provide. In our communities the post office can be the main village or local shop. These post offices are used by older people, people with young children and those with mobility problems, for a whole variety of transactions, not just economic, but social.

The Post Office Ltd has identified seven post offices for closure in the Falkirk Council area. These are:

• Bothkennar, Skinflats • Quarry Brae, Brightons • Greenhill, Bonnybridge • Highland Dykes, Bonnybridge • Church Street, Stenhousemuir • Nethermains, Denny • Thornhill Road, Falkirk

This submission is made to Post Office Ltd outlining the case for the retention of all seven post offices within the Falkirk Parliamentary constituency.

Prior to the plan being announced, Postwatch estimated that, if there was to be an even distribution of closures across the UK, 17.5% of post offices would close in every area. That would equate to approximately five post offices in the constituency of Falkirk. However, seven post offices are proposed for closure. This represents a disproportionate impact on the citizens of the Falkirk Council area.

This submission sets out the general position of post offices with the Falkirk Council area, and then details, for each post office, the case for retention. The case for each post office notes:

The position of the post office within the local community; A commentary on the position regarding access to alternative post offices as set out in the Branch Access Report provided by Post Office Ltd; A socio economic profile of the population served by each post office; A detailed analysis of specific domains that make up a comprehensive deprivation analysis including access, income, health etc.

The issue of closing post offices has raised considerable concern for local people. Across the Council area there have been public meetings, petitions etc to lobby the Post Office Ltd to retain their local services. While much of this information has been sent separately to Post Office Ltd, many have asked that the Council include a copy of their individual submissions in with the Council’s response. These are included as appendix one of this submission.

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GENERAL SITUATION

The Falkirk Parliamentary Constituency comprises of a number of distinct towns and villages, as well as incorporating the largest town in the area, Falkirk. The area has a mixture of urban and rural communities, many of whom were established to support the heavy industry the area is closely associated with. With the demise of those key industries many areas suffer disproportionately from deprivation and ill health.

Many of the communities served by the post offices under threat have particular problems associated with ill health, isolation and lack of facilities. They all depend on the services provided by the post offices. The premise that these services could close without having a severe impact on the local communities they serve cannot be accepted.

There is an expectation that vulnerable and elderly people can easily walk or access alternate post offices. This is unrealistic. The distances and routes suggested in the Branch Access Reports produced by Post Office Ltd, for journeys by foot or public transport do not take into account the most natural walking routes from where people live or the bus services in the surrounding areas.

Some of the walking routes proposed are along relatively isolated roads - one has no street lighting or other form of lighting. In reality, for most people the closure of the post office will mean that they will not have access to post office services without using a car. This is contrary to the Government and Council’s policies with regards to sustainability.

The public transport routes identified in most cases do not take account of the full return journey. In some cases there is a two-hour wait, in areas with limited facilities, for the bus home. The Council expect that if the closures go ahead greater demand may be placed on services funded by the Council, such as Dial a Journey, to enable people access these critical services.

The Council are particularly concerned about the impact the closure would have on the many vulnerable people living in the communities that are affected. In addition to residential and care homes in all the areas, there are many vulnerable people living in their own homes requiring support. For these individuals the post office and shop is an important lifeline. The trip to the local post office to pick up small amounts of shopping on a daily basis is a service that enables them to retain some degree of independence and freedom. Because of the vulnerability of these individuals, it is these people who are least likely to make a case for the retention of their local services. PE1102/F

Population

Table 1 shows the estimated population within a one mile radius of each of the Post Offices threatened with closure taken from the General Register Office for Scotland’s 2005 estimates. Figures for Falkirk Council area and Scotland are included for comparison purposes1.

Table 1: Population 2005 Aged 0-15 Aged 16-64 Aged 65+ Post Office Total No % No % No % Bothkennar 2,181 469 21.5% 1,476 67.7% 236 10.8% Brightons 15,457 2,904 18.8% 10,458 67.7% 2,094 13.5% Greenhill 6,028 1,325 22.0% 4,020 66.7% 684 11.3% Highland Dykes 9,278 1,839 19.8% 6,185 66.7% 1,254 13.5% King Street, 18,513 3,783 20.4% 12,193 65.9% 2,537 13.7% Stenhousemuir Nethermains 11,832 2,291 19.4% 7,837 66.2% 1,703 14.4% Thornhill Road 17,091 2,810 16.4% 10,773 63.0% 3,508 20.5% Falkirk 149,150 28,368 19.0% 97,388 65.3% 23,394 15.7% Scotland 5,094,800 928,994 18.2% 3,332,712 65.4% 833,094 16.4% Source: General Register Office for Scotland, 2005 small area population estimates, Crown Copyright

From this we can see that the areas differ in their demography quite significantly. Some have very high number of younger people, while others have an ageing population. While we know that older people tend to use post offices quite regularly, they are also used by young families, who have issues of transport and accessibility if services are not readily available.

Benefits Claimants

Table 2 below shows the number of people within a one mile radius of each Post Office who are claiming particular benefits and the percentage of the population aged 16+ in each area on benefits. This data relates to February 2007. Figures for Falkirk Council area and Scotland are included for comparison purposes.

Table 2: Benefits Claimants – February 2007 Population JSA** IS** IB/SDA** DLA** Post Office aged 16+ No %* No %* No %* No %* Bothkennar 1,712 22 1.3% 74 4.3% 129 7.5% 143 8.4%

Brightons 12,552 142 1.1% 285 2.3% 557 4.4% 589 4.7%

Greenhill 4,704 79 1.7% 210 4.5% 338 7.2% 410 8.7%

Highland Dykes 7,439 119 1.6% 320 4.3% 530 7.1% 649 8.7%

King Street, 14,730 226 1.5% 562 3.8% 1,030 7.0% 1,107 7.5% Stenhousemuir

1 Note that data for 2006 is available at a Falkirk and Scotland level, but 2005 figures have been used for consistency. PE1102/F

Nethermains 9,540 206 2.2% 495 5.2% 696 7.3% 790 8.3%

Thornhill Road 14,281 389 2.7% 795 5.6% 1,292 9.0% 1,268 8.9%

Falkirk 120,782 2,460 2.0% 5,545 4.6% 8,890 7.4% 9,505 7.9% Scotland 4,165,806 89,170 2.1% 219,725 5.3% 308,780 7.4% 316,205 7.6% Source: NOMIS, Crown Copyright * As a percentage of the population aged 16+ **JSA: Job Seekers Allowance; IS: Income Support; IB/SDA: Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance; DLA: Disability Living Allowance

Again this table shows that some areas served by the post offices proposed for closure have significant numbers of their populations who rely on benefits and thus can be more dependant on the services provided by the post office. While there is presumption for people to receive their benefits and entitlements via their bank accounts, we know that many people in receipt of such benefits still do not have bank accounts.

In addition to showing levels of deprivation, the types of benefits people are entitled to also highlights the ill health that many people in the areas served by the seven post offices have. This is confirmed by the information noted below.

Long-term illness and general health

Information is available from the 2001 Census on the number of people in each area who have a limiting long-term illness and whose general health is not good. This is shown in Table 3. Figures for the Falkirk Council area and Scotland are included for comparison.

Table 4: Long term illness and general health – 2001 Census Household population With a limiting long General health poor 2001 Census term illness* Post Office No % No % Bothkennar 2,226 431 19.4% 233 10.5% Brightons 13,755 2,145 15.6% 1,049 7.6% Greenhill 4,877 1,034 21.2% 538 11.0% Highland Dykes 8,224 1,610 19.6% 826 10.0% King Street, 18,696 3,396 18.2% 1,617 8.6% Stenhousemuir Nethermains 11,809 2,243 19.0% 1,116 9.5% Thornhill Road 15,777 4,060 25.7% 2,095 13.3% Falkirk 143,457 29,380 20.5% 14,642 10.2% Scotland 4,976,005 978,376 19.7% 492,283 9.9% Source: 2001 Census, General Register Office for Scotland, Crown Copyright * Includes problems due to age

Pensioners

Data on those claiming State Pension and Pension Credit is shown below in Table 3. Again, figures for Falkirk Council area and Scotland are included for comparison purposes.

Table 3: Pensioners and Pension Credit Claimants - February 2007 PE1102/F

Pension Credit claimants Total population Pensioners Post Office No % No % Bothkennar 2,181 332 15.2% 121 5.5% Brightons 15,457 2,470 16.0% 477 3.1% Greenhill 6,028 851 14.1% 285 4.7% Highland Dykes 9,278 1,468 15.8% 499 5.4% King Street, 18,513 2,987 16.1% 784 4.2% Stenhousemuir Nethermains 11,832 2,019 17.1% 685 5.8% Thornhill Road 17,091 3,821 22.4% 1,352 7.9% Falkirk 149,150 27,180 18.2% 7,855 5.3% Scotland 5,094,800 955,275 18.8% 283,380 5.6% Source: NOMIS, Crown Copyright

Deprivation

Each data zone is represented in the 2006 Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) with a score and a rank to show how deprived it is compared to others in Scotland. For many purposes, those datazones in the worst 15% are considered the most deprived. Table 5 shows the number of data zones and the percentage of the total population of each 1 mile radius catchment of the seven Post offices proposed for closure in the worst 15% of areas of deprivation in Scotland.

Within the SIMD there are a number of domains of deprivation and for each domain, deprivation can be analysed separately. Table 5 also shows deprivation in the employment, income, health and education domains.

A full deprivation analysis has been undertaken for each post office. These are noted within the section for each post office. All data in these tables relates to the datazones2 within a 1 mile radius of each of the seven Post Offices that are proposed for closure. Some datazones have been split to provide a closer match to the 1 mile radius circle. Note that some datazones lie within a one mile radius of more than one Post Office. Further information on the methodology used can be provided if required.

Table 5: Deprivation – 2006 SIMD Employment SIMD Income Health Education Post Office No %* No %* No %* No %* No %* Bothkennar 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - 0 - Brightons 1 2.1% 1 2.1% 1 2.1% 1 2.1% 2 5.7% Greenhill 0 - 1 14.3% 0 - 0 - 0 - Highland Dykes 0 - 1 10.7% 0 - 0 - 0 - King Street, 2 3.1% 3 7.5% 2 3.1% 2 3.1% 5 16.7% Stenhousemuir Nethermains 2 10.3 2 10.3% 2 10.3% 1 5.3% 3 15.3%

Thornhill Road 6 20.4 4 11.9% 6 18.4% 5 13.9% 9 32.1%

2 Datazones are a statistical geography created by the Scottish Government for use in Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics. There are 197 in the Falkirk Council area with an average population of 750. PE1102/F

Source: Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2006 PE1102/F

BOTHKENNAR, SKINFLATS Bothkennar Post Office is situated in the village of Skinflats. The village, while geographically not far from some major towns, is isolated due its proximity to the major motorway network. It is also isolated from Grangemouth by virtue of large industrial estates with associated heavy industrial traffic. The main route from Skinflats to Grangemouth also co-incides with the main route for freight traffic coming from the port – the busiest freight port in Scotland.

The post office is open 21 hours per week and is based within the village shop. There are no alternative shops or facilities in this small village of just over 2,000 people. The loss of this valued local service will have a major impact on this small community.

Within the one mile catchment of this post office, there is a higher than average number of children and young people. In Scotland as a whole 7.9% of the population claim Disability Living Allowance, and in the Falkirk Council area 7.6% of the population claim this benefit. However, in the Bothkennar and Skinflats area 8.4% of the population claim this benefit. This means that 8.4% of the population of Bothkennar and Skinflats have a permanent disability. A higher than average number of individuals within this community are unable to work because of ill health or a temporary disability.

Post Office Ltd has identified Carronshore as the 1st alternate post office that is 1.42 miles away. In the Branch Access Report, the Post Office Ltd states that the walk between Carronshore and Skinflats is along varied terrain with a bridge crossing the motorway. It is unrealistic to expect elderly or disabled people to walk this route on their own, as parts of this route are very isolated and along open countryside. The part of this route in open countryside has no street or other form of lighting. There is a very dangerous crossing on the edge of the Skinflats, as you approach Carronshore.

The bus service between Carronshore and Skinflats is very limited i.e. once every two hours. The timings of the buses are such that an individual catching the bus to Carronshore would have a two hour wait for the bus home. There are limited facilities, particularly for those with mobility problems, to wait on a bus to return home

Grangemouth is identified as the 2nd alternative branch. There are closer local connections between Skinflats and Grangemouth. The village of Skinflats is based within the Grangemouth local government ward. However, buses between Grangemouth and Skinflats are still limited, also once every two hours. This might be difficult for elderly or frail individuals. The post offices are 2.14 miles apart and Post Office Ltd describes the walk as being along varied terrain. It is unrealistic to expect elderly or disabled people to walk this route, as this road is exceptionally busy in some places, but in others quite isolated, and although lit, takes you through an isolated industrial estate.

There are some difficult road crossings as you approach Grangemouth Docks areas. In reality the closure of the Bothkennar post office means that the only access individuals using this post office will have in the future to post office services is by car. 25.6% of households in Bothkennar have no access to a car.

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Bothkennar Falkirk Scotland No % Total population within one mile 2, 181

Age profile 0-15 469 21.5% 19% 18.2% 16-64 1476 67.7% 65.3% 65.4% 65+ 236 10.8% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants JSA 22 1.3% 2% 2.1% IS 74 4.3% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 129 7.7% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 143 8.4% 7.9% 7.6% Pension Credit claims 121 5.5% 5.3% 5.6% Health % with a limiting life long term illness 431 19.4% 20.5% 19.7% General poor health 233 10.5% 10.2% 9.9% Terrain/geography between 1st Route unlit, isolated and alternate branch Unrealistic to expect elderly people to walk this on own Bus Service to first alternative post Every 2 hours office

Deprivation analysis for the one mile radius catchment zone of Bothkennar post office.

The one mile radius catchment of the Bothkennar Post Office consists of four datazones or part datazones, none of which are in the worst 15% in Scotland. The most deprived are two datazones that rank in the worst 40% in Scotland. However, in looking at the detail of what constitutes deprivation, the area does have significant issues with regards to access. These are noted below.

Access Deprivation

The domain that measures deprivation by access to services consists of two sub-domains on drive times and public transport travel times. Drive times are measured to a GP, petrol station, Post Office, primary school, secondary school and shopping facilities. Public transport travel times are to a GP, Post Office and shopping facilities.

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In Bothkennar two datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland for access and the same two also rank in the worst 15% for drive time access.

• Drive time access to a GP is above both the Falkirk (2.9 minutes) and the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in all datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in three datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in two datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in two datazones. Closing the Bothkennar Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure significantly worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a secondary school is above both the Falkirk (4.5 minutes) and the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in all datazones. • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above both the Falkirk (4.5 minutes) and the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in three datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in all datazones and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in three datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in three datazones. Closing the Bothkennar Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure significantly worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above both the Falkirk (13.4 minutes) and the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in three datazones.

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QUARRY BRAE, BRIGHTONS Quarry Brae post office is situated in the village of Brightons. The village is on the outskirts of Falkirk. It has rapidly expanded in recent years due to its proximity to the main Glasgow/Edinburgh/Stirling rail line. It is a relatively affluent area. However this masks small pockets of deprivation. Many of the village facilities are labelled Polmont, for example Polmont train station and Polmont Young Offenders Institute. These facilities are actually situated in Brightons, and are closer to Brightons post office than Polmont post office.

Brightons still retains some of its village atmosphere and although there is less of a rural feel to the area, it still retains many of the characteristics of a more rural community, in that car ownership is high and public transport services are poor.

Additionally there are a number of residential care homes and sheltered housing in this area. Closure of Brightons post office would lead to this further loss of this community’s distinctive identity.

The post office in Brightons is open 46 hours per week and is within an independent newsagent.

The Quarry Brae post office is situated close to Polmont train station. The Branch Access report has identified Polmont as the nearest alternative branch to customers of Brightons post office. There is a distance of 0.7 miles between the two post offices. However, it would be difficult for older or disabled people to make this journey, as it is all uphill. There are two difficult crossings on this route, one at Brightons cross, the other as you approach the village centre of Polmont. There is a steep incline from Polmont to Brightons, which it is unrealistic to expect those with mobility problems to walk up.

The No 13 bus service passes between these two post offices on an hourly service. However, this bus does not go to some of the areas that may be assumed to use the alternative post office at Polmont. People would have to walk to the site of the existing post office in Brightons and then catch a bus to the Polmont post office.

There are three residential care homes in the immediate vicinity of the Brightons Post Office that will be directly affected by the closure of this post office. Although Brightons as a whole is a relatively affluent area, there are still pockets of deprivation within the immediate vicinity of the post office. There are 41 individuals within the villages of Brightons and Rumford in need of our home care services. In addition, the Council is about to open a residential home for children in the Brightons area.

PE1102/F

Quarry Brae Brightons

% Falkirk Scotland No % Total population 14457 within one mile

Age profile

0-15 2904 18.8% 19% 18.2% 16-64 10 458 67.7% 65.3% 65.4% 65+ 2094 13.5% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants JSA 142 1.1% 2% 2.1% IS 285 2.3% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 557 4.4% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 589 4.7% 7.9% 7.6% Pension Credit claims 477 3.1% 5.3% 5.6%

Health % of population with 2,145 15.6% 20.5% 19.7% long term limiting illness % of population with 1,049 7.6% 10.2% 9.9% poor general health Terrain/geography Steep slope, along a busy road with at least two difficult crossing between branches

Bus service to first Every two hours alternative post office

Deprivation analysis for the one mile radius catchment zone

The one mile radius catchment of the Brightons Post Office consists of 21 datazones or part datazones, one of which is in the worst 15% in Scotland. This means that there is one small pocket of severe deprivation within the mile catchment of the Brightons Post Office. While as noted earlier the area is generally affluent this masks issues of social cohesion and inclusion that the Council with working with partners to address. The closure of this post office would have a detrimental affect on this work.

PE1102/F

Access Deprivation

Three datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland for access and four also rank in the worst 15% for drive time access.

• Drive time access to a GP is above both the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) and the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in nine datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in six datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in four datazones • Drive time access to a Post Office is already above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in 13 datazones. Closing the Brightons Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in 13 datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in twelve datazones. • Drive time access to a secondary school is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in 13 datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in six datazones. • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above both the Falkirk (4.5 minutes) and the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in all datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in nine datazones and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in six datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in eleven datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 minutes) in seven datazones. Closing the Brightons Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in all datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in all but two datazones PE1102/F

GREENHILL, BONNYBRIDGE There are two post offices threatened with closure in the Bonnybridge area. The first is in the village of Greenhill. The Greenhill area of Bonnybridge is to the south of the main village of Bonnybridge. While there has been significant new building in the village, this area remains a traditional slightly isolated estate of mainly Council houses. Greenhill is a village on the edge of Bonnybridge. It feels isolated from the rest of Bonnybridge due to the position of the canal, the railway line and an industrial estate.

Greenhill has a rural feel to it and shares some of the issues associated with a more rural area, in that it has poor public transport. Greenhill is built on a steep hill and the population has recently increased due to housing development. The post office is situated in the village’s only shop. It is important to a village like Greenhill that it retains its own identity, and part of this is retaining its own local services.

The post office is one of the few shops and facilities in this area. The estate itself was for a number of years one of the areas of deprivation recognised by the Scottish Executive for targeted urban programme funding. This recognised the severity of the deprivation found in the area.

This post office is open for 25 hours per week and is situated within a newsagents/corner shop within the village.

It is suggested that the nearest alternate post office is Bonnybridge, which is 0.6 miles from the Greenhill branch. The Branch Access Report states that the walk to the Bonnybridge post office is along sloping terrain that then levels out. This route is very steep in places, and it runs past an industrial estate. It is unrealistic to expect elderly people to walk the route, as it is fairly isolated in places. The bus runs once an hour. In reality the closure of the post office means that people living in Greenhill will be unable to access post office services unless they can drive or use public transport.

Greenhill has 8.7% of its population claiming Disability Living Allowance, as opposed the national average of 7.6%. Additionally 21.2% of the population have a limiting long- term illness as opposed to the national average of 19.7%. These individuals will be particularly affected by the closure of the post office.

At the 2001 census, 4,931 people lived within a mile of Greenhill Post office. Of these, 355 were aged 65 – 74 years and 324 were aged over 75. In addition, since the 2001 census, 360 new homes have been built, which has significantly added to the population.

Greenhill, Bonnybridge Falkirk Scotland No % Total population 6028 within one mile

Age profile PE1102/F

0-15 1325 22.0% 19% 18.2% 16-64 4020 66.7% 65.3% 65.4% 65+ 684 11.3% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants JSA 79 1.7% 2% 2.1% IS 210 4.5% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 338 7.2% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 410 8.7% 7.9% 7.6% Pension Credit claims 285 4.7% 5.3% 5.6%

Health Long term limiting 1,031 21.2% 20.5% 19.7% illness General health poor 538 11% 10.2% 9.9% Terrain/geography Very steep in places, and runs past industrial estate between branches Bus Service to first Hourly alternative post office

Deprivation Analysis for one mile radius catchment zone.

The one mile radius catchment of the Greenhill Post Office consists of eight datazones or part datazones. The most deprived are two datazones that rank in the worst 15-20% in Scotland. In the following commentary, all part datazones are wholly included.

Access Deprivation

Two datazones within a mile radius of the Greenhill post office rank in the worst 15% in Scotland for access and three also rank in the worst 15% for drive time access.

• Drive time access to a GP is above the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) in four datazones and above the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in four datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in two datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in one datazone. However, closing the Greenhill Post Office will make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) in five datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in three datazones. PE1102/F

• Drive time access to a secondary school is above both the Falkirk (4.5 minutes) and the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in four datazones. • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in five datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in four datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above both the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in four datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in three datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 minutes) in two datazones. Closing the Greenhill Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in four datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in three datazones.

PE1102/F

HIGHLAND DYKES, BONNYBRIDGE

The other post office earmarked for closure within Bonnybridge is Highland Dykes post office that is situated within a convenience store.

The alternate post office suggested by Post Office Ltd is in the centre of Bonnybridge. The information that Post Office Ltd has given in relation to bus services is incorrect. There are no buses running between these post offices. Bonnybridge post office is 0.6 miles from Highland Dykes post office. In the Delivery Access Plan, it is stated that the route between the two post offices is varied, with pavements and small roads to cross on route, and that there is a zebra crossing immediately opposite Bonnybridge post office. The fact that there are many small roads to cross, and the route is very steep means that elderly or disabled person would find it difficult to make this journey on foot.

The second alternate branch suggested is Haggs. There is no direct bus route between these branches; the branches are 0.8 miles apart and the terrain is varied. However, this route is fairly isolated and open in parts, thus not suitable for walking.

At the 2001 census of the 8,360 living within one mile of Highland Dykes post office, 670 were people aged between 65 – 75 years and 570 were aged over 75 years. 136 people in these age groups live in communal establishments.

In the Highland Dykes area 8.7% of the population are entitled to Disability Living Allowance that means that they are permanently disabled. This is higher than the Scottish and Falkirk averages of 7.9% and 7.6%.

Highland Dykes, Bonnybridge Highland Dykes Falkirk Scotland No % Total population within 9278 one mile

Age profile

0-15 1839 19.8% 19% 18.2% 16-64 6185 66.7% 65.3% 65.4% 65+ 1254 13.5% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants JSA 119 1.6% 2% 2.1% IS 320 4.3% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 530 7.1% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 649 8.7% 7.9% 7.6% PE1102/F

Pension Credit claims 499 5.4% 5.3% 5.6% Health % with limiting long term 1610 19.6% 20.5% 19.7% illness % general health poor 826 10.0% 10.2% 9.9% Terrain/geography Along steep roads with many crossings between branches Bus Service to first No bus service alternative post office

Deprivation Analysis for one mile radius catchment zone of Highland Dykes Post Office

The one mile radius catchment of the Highland Dykes Post Office consists of twelve datazones or part datazones. The most deprived are two datazones that rank in the worst 30% in Scotland. In the following commentary, all part datazones are wholly included.

Access Deprivation

Two datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland for access and three rank in the worst 15% for drive time access

• Drive time access to a GP is above the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) in six datazones and above the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in seven datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in four datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in one datazone. Closing the Highland Dykes Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in six datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in four datazones. • Drive time access to a secondary school is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in five datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in four datazones. • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in five datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in four datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in eight datazones and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in six datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in three datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 minutes) in two datazones. Closing the Highland Dykes Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. PE1102/F

• Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in seven datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in five datazones. PE1102/F

CHURCH STREET - STENHOUSEMUIR This is one of two post offices in Stenhousemuir and is actually situated in King Street. Stenhousemuir has been undergoing a transformation over the last number of years. The town has seen a massive increase in house building with an associated influx of families who want to live in the area. To accommodate this increase in population and to recognise the needs of this growing population, the Council and our partners are currently undertaking a massive redevelopment of the town centre.

The 2001 census suggests that 18,895 people live within 1 mile of the Church Street post office. Of these, 1373 are aged between 65- 74 years and 1173 are aged over 75 years. In these age groups 167 live in a communal establishment.

There are a number of care homes and small group homes in the Larbert and Stenhousemuir area caring for very vulnerable people. The area used to have the Royal Scottish Hospital at Larbert and Bellsdyke Psychiatric long stay hospital. With the closure of these facilities many long-term residents were relocated to supported accommodation within the Stenhousemuir / Larbert areas.

It is a stand-alone post office and is open 37.5 hours per week. It is suggested that the nearest alternate branch is the post office based within the Spar supermarket, also on King Street. The post offices are 0.46 miles apart and there is a bus every 15 minutes between the two post offices.

The second alternate branch suggested for users of the Church Street post office is Larbert post office, which is 1.25 miles from Church Street. The Branch Access Report uses census figures for its population estimates. Given this, the population increase resulting from the Inches housing development and the housing on the Bellsdyke Road will not have been taken into account. The opening of the new hospital will possibly put additional pressure on Larbert post office and other post offices in this area.

Church Street, Stenhousmuir

Stenhousemuir Falkirk Scotland No % Total population 18513 within one mile

Age profile

0-15 3783 20.4% 19% 18.2% 16-64 12193 65.9% 65.3% 65.4% 65+ 2537 13.7% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants

JSA 226 1.5% 2% 2.1% PE1102/F

IS 562 3.8% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 1030 7.0% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 1107 7.5% 7.9% 7.6% Pension Credit 784 4.2% 5.3% 5.6% claims

Health % with limiting 3,396 18.2% 20.5% 19.7% long term illness General health 1,617 8.6% 10.2% 9.9% poor Terrain/ Flat with many small roads to cross Geography between branches Bus Service to Every quarter of an hour first alternative post office

Deprivation Analysis for one mile catchment radius

The one mile radius catchment of the King Street, Stenhousemuir Post Office consists of 28 datazones or part datazones, two of which are in the worst 15% in Scotland.

Access Deprivation

Two datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland for access and two also rank in the worst 15% for drive time access.

• Drive time access to a GP is above the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) in eleven datazones and above the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in ten datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in 14 datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in nine datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in thirteen datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in twelve datazones. Closing the King Street, Stenhousemuir Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in 17 datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in 16 datazones. PE1102/F

• Drive time access to a secondary school is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in 15 datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in five datazones. • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in eight datazones and above the Scottish average (5.6 minutes) in three datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in 14 datazones and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in seven datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in 14 datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 minutes) in six datazones. Closing the King Street, Stenhousemuir Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in twelve datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in nine datazones. PE1102/F

NETHERMAINS, DENNY This post office is located within a branch of R.S.McColl in Fleming Court, Denny. Denny is a small town to the west of the Falkirk Council area. Fleming Court is a small retail parade providing local retailing services to the southern population of Denny. The post office facility contributes greatly to the viability of this small retail scheme and is some distance from Denny Town Centre.

The town was developed in the early sixties to accommodate overspill from Glasgow. It is a traditional town that has for a number of years experienced steady growth that has put pressure on the services and facilitates that serve the population.

In response to this the Council and our partners have a commitment to a significant redevelopment of the town centre and have started building work on a new high school for the town.

Post Office Ltd suggests that the first alternate branch is Dennyloanhead, situated 0.8 miles from the Nethermains post office. The route between Dennyloanhead and Nethermains is along a busy road that has open countryside on one side. Part of the road also feels isolated as it has a large grassy bank on each side. It is unrealistic to expect elderly or disabled people to walk 0.8 mile, even if the pavements are good and the terrain level.

The more natural post office for people from Nethermains to use is the one in the centre of Denny. This is further away but is a larger centre of population and is near other shops. As noted above the town centre of Denny will be redeveloped in the near future.

In any case the walking route between Nethermains and the town centre is again partly along a route that has open country on one side, with a number of difficult crossings as Denny town centre is approached.

The Nethermains area has a higher than average number of people dependent on benefits, 2.2% of the population is dependent on job seekers allowance, 5.2% dependent on income support. 7.3 % on Incapacity benefit and 8.3% dependent on Disability Living allowance. 5.8% of the population are also dependent on Pension credit. The Falkirk and Scottish averages are listed below.

Nethermains Falkirk Scotland No % Total population 11832 within one mile

Age profile

0-15 2291 19.4% 19% 18.2% 16-64 7837 66.2% 65.3% 65.4% PE1102/F

65+ 1703 14.4% 15.7% 16.4% Benefits Claimants

JSA 206 2.2% 2% 2.1% IS 495 5.2% 4.6% 5.3% IB/DSA 696 7.3% 7.4% 7.4% DLA 790 8.3% 7.9% 7.6% Pension Credit 685 5.8% 5.3% 5.6% claims

Health % with long term 2,243 19.0% 20.5% 19.7% limiting illness

% general health 1,116 9.5% 10.2% 9.9% poor

Terrain/ Isolated and along open countryside geography between branches Bus Service to Every 20 minutes first alternative post office

Deprivation Analysis for one mile catchment radius

The one mile radius catchment of the Nethermains Post Office consists of 19 datazones or part datazones, two of which are in the worst 15% of areas of deprivation in Scotland with one datazone is in the worst 10% of areas of need in Scotland. In the following commentary, all part datazones are wholly included.

Income Deprivation

Income deprivation counts the number of adults and dependents in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance and Pension Credits. 1,739 people in the 19 datazones are income deprived – 12.9%. Thirteen of the datazones in the Nethermains catchment have over 10% of their population dependent on benefits and five datazones have over 15% of their population income deprived - above the Falkirk average of 12.9% and the Scottish average of 13.9%. One datazone has 34% of its population income deprived. Two of the datazones are in the worst 15% in Scotland.

Employment Deprivation

Employment deprivation counts the number of people of working age who are claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or are on the PE1102/F

New Deal. 1,031 people in the 19 datazones in the Nethermains catchment are employment deprived. Seven of the datazones have over 13% of the working age population who are employment deprived – the Falkirk average is 12.9%, the same as the Scottish figure. Two of the datazones are in the worst 15% in Scotland for this domain.

Education Deprivation

The education deprivation consists of five variables - Census information on working age people with no qualifications; rank of people aged 16-18 not in full time education; 17-21 year olds enrolling in higher education; pupil performance at SQA Stage 4; and school pupil absences.

Three of the datazones in the Nethermains Post Office catchment are in the worst 15% for education in Scotland.

• The standardised rates of those of working age with no qualifications shows that twelve datazones in the Nethermains catchment have higher rates than average for Scotland with one datazone scoring 166 (average=100). • In the ranking of people aged 16-18 not in full time education, five datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland. • Fourteen datazones had less than the Falkirk average of 5.9% of 17-21 year olds enrolled in higher education – the Scottish average was 8.9%. Two datazones have no 17-21 year olds at all enrolled in higher education. These are low rates. • Twelve datazones have below the Falkirk average tariff scores for pupils at S4. The Falkirk average is 158 and the Scottish average is 170. • In nine datazones, pupil absence levels are above both the Falkirk and Scottish averages.

Health Deprivation

Health deprivation consists of seven variables: standardised mortality rate; comparative illness factor using benefits data; emergency hospital admissions; alcohol related hospital episodes; drug related hospital episodes; low birthweight babies; drugs prescribed for mental illnesses. One datazone is in the worst 15% in Scotland.

• Six datazones have worse than average standardised mortality (average = 100) • Nine datazones have above average comparative illness factors. The comparative illness factor counts claimants of incapacity and disablement benefits and produces a standardised rate. • Three datazones have above average emergency hospital admissions (average = 100). • Three datazones have above average rates of hospital admissions due to alcohol. • One of the datazones had a high rate of hospital admissions due to drugs • Two datazones had more than 10% low birthweight babies.

Housing Deprivation

The housing deprivation consists of two variables from the 2001 Census – percentage of household population living in houses without central heating and percentage of household population living in overcrowded households. PE1102/F

Seven datazones had a higher than the Falkirk Council area average (2.1%) of the population living in households without central heating than the Scottish average of 5.7%. Five datazones had a higher proportion of their population living in overcrowded households than the Scottish average of 13.9% and nine were above the Falkirk average of 10.5%.

Access Deprivation

• Drive time access to a GP is above the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) in seven datazones and above the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a petrol station is above the Falkirk average (3.1 minutes) in eight datazones and above the Scottish average (3.7 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above both the Falkirk (2.1 minutes) and the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in three datazones. Closing the Nethermains Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above both the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) for four datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in three datazones. • Drive time access to a secondary school is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in three datazones. • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in eight datazones and above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in seven datazones. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in five datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 minutes) in four datazones. Closing the Nethermains Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in three datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in two datazones. PE1102/F

THORNHILL ROAD, FALKIRK The Thornhill Road post office is situated in the Grahamston area of Falkirk. It is situated within a convenience store. The Thornhill Road area of Falkirk is one of our areas of priority treatment. This recognises that the area has significant social, housing, employment and health issues. The area has problems of anti social behaviour due mainly to a transient population housed in privately rented accommodation. A number of the people who live in the area also have chaotic life styles.

Post Office Ltd suggests that the 1st alternate branch should be the Crown office at Garrison Place. They state that there is 0.5 miles between these two branches and the terrain between the branches is hilly.

There is a steep incline on Grahams Road and the route between the two is through a very busy retail park. Walking through the retail park involves crossing very busy roads and the pedestrian route through the retail park is not the same as by road, due to the layout of the park.

Additionally, due to the location of the houses that potentially use the post office, the most direct route to the post office will be down Wallace Street and along Grahams Road. Grahams Road is one of the main access roads in and out of Falkirk and is exceptionally busy. Reaching the post office in Garrison Place would involve crossing very busy roads. There is no direct bus service between the post offices. It is unrealistic to expect elderly or disabled people to wait over 1 hour to return home.

Many people who use this post office will live in the Kennard Road, the Bog and Middlefield areas of Falkirk. From these areas, there is an hourly bus service to Garrison Place, which because of the route takes about 45 minutes.

The Thornhill Road post office is situated within one of the worst 15% of data zone areas for overall deprivation in Scotland. 20.5% of the population is aged 65 or over, the Falkirk average is 15.7% and the Scottish average 16.4%.

One of the factors that led to Thornhill Road being categorised as one of the worst 15% of data zones, is that 30% of the working age population of this area are dependent on benefits as their main source of income. 2.7% are dependent on Job Seekers allowance, 5.6% on income support, 9.0 % on incapacity benefit and 8.9% on Disability Living allowance. 22.4% of the population of this area are claiming state pension and 7.9% claiming pension credit to supplement the income. This is against the Falkirk and Scottish averages of 18.2% and 18.8% for State Pension and 5.3% and 5.6% for pension credit.

There are very high percentages of individuals with a long term limiting illness 25.7% as opposed to 20.5% for Falkirk and 19.7% for Scotland and 13.3 % describe their health as poor as opposed to 10.2% for Falkirk and 9.9% for Scotland

In the ranking of people aged 16-18 not in full-time education, training or employment, this area ranks in the worst 2% of Scotland. Pupil absence rates in this area are also very high.

PE1102/F

Although the Thornhill Road Post office is situated close to Falkirk town centre, many of the people who use the Thornhill Road post offices are frail elderly people, individuals and families dependent on benefits, or people who have a drug and/or alcohol problem. It is not clear if Post Office Ltd have considered what the impact of the closure of this post office will be on these vulnerable individuals and on the community as a whole.

Thornhill Road, Falkirk.

Thornhill Road Falkirk Scotland No % Total population within one 17 091 mile Age profile

0-15 2810 16.4 19% 18.2% 16-64 10 63.0 65.3 65.4 773 65+ 3508 20.5 15.7 16.4 Benefits Claimants JSA 389 2.7 2 2.1 IS 795 5.6 4.6 5.3 IB/DSA 1292 9.0 7.4 7.4 DLA 1268 8.9 7.9 7.6 Pension Credit claims 1352 7.9 5.3 5.6 Health % population with limiting long 4060 25.7 20.5 19.7 term illness General Health poor 2095 13.3 10.2 9,9 Terrain/geography between Hilly, many busy roads to cross branches Bus service to first alternative No direct bus service post office

Deprivation analysis, one mile radius catchment

The one mile radius catchment of the Thornhill Road Post Office consists of 27 datazones or part datazones, six of which are in the worst 15% of areas of deprivation in Scotland. The most deprived datazone, ranks in the worst 5% in Scotland and a further three rank in the worst 10%. In the following commentary, all part datazones are wholly included.

Income Deprivation

PE1102/F

Income deprivation counts the number of adults and dependents in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance and Pension Credits. 3,160 people in the 27 datazones are income deprived – 16.6%. Nineteen of the datazones in the Thornhill Road catchment have over 10% of their population dependent on benefits and 16 datazones had over 15% of their population income deprived - above the Falkirk average of 12.9% and the Scottish average of 13.9%. One datazone has 41% of its citizen’s income deprived. Four of the datazones are in the worst 15% in Scotland.

Employment Deprivation

Employment deprivation counts the number of people of working age who are claiming Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or are on the New Deal. 1,955 people in the 27 datazones in the Thornhill Road catchment are employment deprived. Seventeen of the datazones had over 13% of their working age population who are employment deprived – the Falkirk average is 12.9%, the same as the Scottish figure. Six of the datazones are in the worst 15% in Scotland.

Education Deprivation

The education domain consists of five variables: Census information on working age people with no qualifications; rank of people aged 16-18 not in full time education; 17-21 year olds enrolling in higher education; pupil performance at SQA Stage 4; and school pupil absences.

Nine of the datazones in the Thornhill Road Post Office catchment are in the worst 15% for education in Scotland. • The standardised rates of those of working age with no qualifications shows that 13 datazones in the Thornhill Road catchment have higher rates than average for Scotland with one datazone scoring 175 and five scoring over 150 (average=100). • In the ranking of people aged 16-18 not in full time education, nine datazones rank in the worst 15% in Scotland. One datazone has the second worst rate in the whole of Scotland. • Fifteen datazones have less than the Falkirk average of 5.9% of 17-21 year olds enrolled in higher education – the Scottish average was 8.9%. Three datazones had no 17-21 year olds at all enrolling in higher education. These are very low rates. • Seventeen datazones have below the Falkirk average tariff scores for pupils at S4. The Falkirk average is 158 and the Scottish average is 170. • In 15 datazones pupil absence levels are above both the Falkirk and Scottish averages. One data zone had an abnormally high rate – the highest in Scotland.

Health Deprivation

The measure of health deprivation consists of seven variables: standardised mortality rate; comparative illness factor using benefits data; emergency hospital admissions; alcohol related hospital episodes; drug related hospital episodes; low birthweight babies; drugs prescribed for mental illnesses. Five datazones are in the worst 15% in Scotland.

• Thirteen datazones have worse than average standardised mortality (average = 100). PE1102/F

• Eleven datazones had below average comparative illness factors (average = 100). The comparative illness factor counts claimants of incapacity and disablement benefits and produces a standardised rate. • Fifteen datazones had above average emergency hospital admissions (average = 100). • Ten datazones had above average rates of hospital admissions due to alcohol. • Ten of the datazones had an above average rate of hospital admissions due to drugs. One datazone had a particularly high rate. • Seven datazones had more than 10% low birthweight

Housing Deprivation

The measure of housing deprivation consists of two variables from the 2001 Census – percentage of household population living in houses without central heating and percentage of household population living in overcrowded households.

Five datazones had a higher percentage of the population living in households without central heating than the Scottish average of 5.7%, and a further twelve were higher than the Falkirk average of only 2.1%. Eleven datazones have a higher proportion of their population living in overcrowded households than the Scottish average of 13.9% and 16 are above the Falkirk average of 10.5%

Access Deprivation

• Drive time access to a GP is above the Falkirk average (2.9 minutes) in four datazones and above the Scottish average (3.4 minutes) in two datazones. • Drive time access to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in nine datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in eight datazones. Closing the Thornhill Road Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Drive time access to a primary school is above the Falkirk average (2.1 minutes) in twelve datazones and above the Scottish average (2.2 minutes) in ten datazones. • Drive time access to a secondary school is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in six datazones • Drive time access to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (4.5 minutes) in two datazones • Public transport travel time to a GP is above the Falkirk average (9.2 minutes) in two datazones but above the Scottish average (11.4 minutes) in only one datazone. • Public transport travel time to a Post Office is above the Falkirk average (6.7 minutes) in ten datazones and above the Scottish average (8.2 PE1102/F

minutes) in four datazones. Closing the Thornhill Road Post Office will undoubtedly make this access measure worse. • Public transport travel time to shopping facilities is above the Falkirk average (13.4 minutes) in four datazones and above the Scottish average (16.3 minutes) in two datazones.